Putnam County Sheriff Set to ‘Crackdown’ for St. Patrick’s Day

Police in the Hudson Valley and across the state will crack down on a major driving offense this weekend.

The New York State Stop-DWI Crackdown for St. Patrick’s Day runs from Friday, March 16 until Sunday, March 18.

Police from all across New York will be out in full force in a coordinated effort to stop the number of drunk driving related injuries and deaths.

“Impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning,” Putnam County Sheriff Robert L. Langley Jr. and Town of Carmel Police Department Chief Michael Cazzari said in a press release. “If you’re headed out for St. Patrick’s Day, designate a responsible and sober driver! Remember, ‘Don’t Drive, Get a Sober Ride.’”

Stop-DWI Crackdowns are held a number of times a year across New York State. Highly visible and highly publicized efforts aim to stop people from driving drunk.

The STOP-DWI St. Patrick’s Day Crackdown includes a number of sobriety checkpoints, additional DWI patrols, and a detail to crackdown on underage drinking and sales to minors, officials say.

"State Police and local law enforcement are out in full force to stop irresponsible, reckless driving and protect New Yorkers this St. Patrick's Day," Governor Andrew Cuomo said. "This comprehensive campaign will ramp up statewide enforcement efforts, hold impaired drivers accountable and crack down on underage drinking to keep our roadways safe and avoid needless tragedies."

According to the STOP-DWI website, many years ago the New York State STOP-DWI Association, Inc. launched “STOP-DWI Crackdown Weekends.” Efforts began from the theory that by better coordinating and promoting county efforts we can achieve greater visibility of DWI enforcement activities in New York State.

Research findings demonstrate that highly visible, publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI crackdowns can further reduce drunk driving, officials say.